N. Hodgson et al., DEPENDENCE OF THE REFRACTIVE POWER OF ND-YAG RODS ON THE INTRACAVITY INTENSITY, Optics and Laser Technology, 25(3), 1993, pp. 179-185
The refractive power of two flashlamp-pumped Nd:YAG rods was measured
as being dependent on the output coupling of the resonator. With laser
oscillation, the refractive power or thermal heat is decreased by up
to 15% and a minimum occurs at a specific output coupling. The experim
ental results could be explained by a theoretical model assuming a non
-radiative transition from the upper laser level to the ground state.
The lifetime of this non-radiative transition decreases with increasin
g pumping power per pulse and, for pumping power higher than 100 kW, s
aturation at a value of 0.63 times the fluorescence lifetime occurs. T
he results indicate that the non-radiative process is caused by energy
migration to flashlamp-induced transient quenching centres.